Questions to Ask Yourself Before Agreeing to Be a Bridesmaid
For most women, it is a great honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid to a sister’s, best friend, and even a relative’s wedding. It is considered polite to give a response to a bridesmaid offer in a rather short window. Even then, it is important for you to consider several aspects before saying yes. It is a rather big job being a bridesmaid; therefore you need to be honest with yourself. If you are doubtful about being part of a bridal party, be open and let the bride know in a gentle manner.
It is important to ask yourself whether you are ready for the task as being a bridesmaid can have some rather steep demands which can jeopardize your friendship. Below are some of the questions that will help you decide whether being a bridesmaid is for you.
Consider the costs
Weddings are rather expensive and there are some financial outlays expected of bridesmaids’ starting with the clothing to other wedding activities that you need to think about. When you are not certain whether your budget can cover the costs, talk openly with the bride on what you can afford from start to help avoid any confusion.
The bride's style expectations
Weeks and days before the big day, the stress levels tend to be high and any changes, however, small can turn the bride into ‘bridezilla'. As a bridesmaid, the anger can be directed to you for changing your hair-cut, losing or gaining weight and even when you change your hair color. Although you may not find the dresses flattering, once you have agreed to be a bridesmaid then you just have to go with the bride’s choices.
Your comfort around wedding talk
Many bridesmaids are likely to listen to a lot of bridal talks. If the bride is your best friend, then you can motivate yourself when such discussions come up. If you are not much into wedding talk, being polite and passing the conversation will do. When you are the maid of honor, you can ask your co to step in for you.
How you relate to other bridesmaids
It is likely for you to know the other bridesmaids if you are close with the bride. If, however, there are people in the bridal party that you may dislike, or hardly know; it is important to think what the result will be at the wedding should you have disagreements. Understanding among bridesmaids makes a wedding go smoothly. If you still can’t put aside your differences and the bride is insistent on including them, then you might have to forego or work at being pleasant all through the activities.
Attending all the Pre-Wedding events
Consider your availability to attend the pre-wedding event and other bridal activities. As a bridesmaid, it means attending rehearsals, hen’s night, bridal parties, dress fitting and eventually the wedding ceremony. You need to ensure you have the time for these activities, not to miss the pre-wedding which is considered important and attendance is not an option.
In conclusion, It is always an honor when your sister, best friend, or relative to invite you as their bridesmaids. However, there are things you need to consider before saying yes. Things like your ability to handle the financial outlay, your comfort level around wedding talk, the bride’s style expectations as well as your availability to attend to all the wedding activities. Above all be pleasant to other bridesmaids and guests focusing on the importance of the big day: the bride’s happiness.